For spring flowering plants, geranium seeds should be sown in early- to mid-February.
For many years, geraniums have been a common choice for bedding plants. Cuttings are a frequent way to grow plants. Geraniums can, however, also be raised from seeds. Hybrid geraniums that are grown from seeds have great vigor, heat tolerance, disease resistance, and free blooming.
Growing geraniums from seeds is not too difficult. Geranium seedlings, however, develop slowly. For spring flowering plants, geranium seeds should be sown in early- to mid-February. Approximately 13 to 15 weeks after seeding, flowers begin to bloom. Geraniums from the Elite, Orbit, Maverick, and Multibloom Series are recommended for Iowa. A series is a collection of closely related types that share similar traits like height, spread, and flowering behavior. The only trait that typically varies within a series is the color of the flowers.
Jiffy Mix and Redi-earth are two great soilless mixtures that work well as germination media. Geranium seedling damping-off can be a significant issue during germination. Different species of fungi attack the seedlings and kill them, which is what causes damping-off. Containers used to start seeds should be spotless and have sufficient drainage to deter this. Prior to disinfection, previously used containers should be cleaned in soapy water and dipped into a solution of one part chlorine bleach to nine parts water.
The germination media should be poured into the container to within 1/2 to 1 inch of the top. Lightly firm the medium, completely wet it, and then give it some time to drain. Rows of seeds should be 2 to 3 inches apart, and the medium should cover the seeds by about 1/8 inch. After planting, thoroughly hydrate the soil by immersing the container in water only partially. Remove the container from the water after the surface is damp, then let it drain. The media can alternatively be hydrated with a gentle water spray from a sprinkler made of a rubber bulb or a similar tool.
Use clear plastic food wrap or a clear plastic dome to cover the container to maintain a constant moisture level during the germination process. Place the container in a well-lit area away from the sun. If the covered container is placed in the direct sun, there could be an excessive accumulation of heat. When germination is taking place, the medium’s temperature should be between 70 and 75 degrees F. The seeds should start to sprout in seven to ten days at the right temperature and moisture content.
As soon as the seeds start to germinate, remove the plastic covering. Put the seedlings in a window with natural light or under a light fixture. Fluorescent lights should be turned on for 12 to 16 hours a day and placed no higher than 4 to 6 inches above the seedlings. When the seedlings develop their first true set of leaves, transplant them into separate containers using a well-drained commercial potting mix. Handle the little seedlings by their leaves since the fragile, delicate stems are easy to break. When transplanting, place seedlings at the base of the seed leaves (cotyledons).
Grow seedlings under fluorescent lights for the greatest outcomes. One 40-watt cool white and one 40-watt warm white fluorescent tube can be used in a conventional fluorescent shop light. Due to little light, plants grown in windows frequently grow tall and spindly. Geraniums prefer daytime temperatures of 70 to 75 degrees and nighttime temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees. When the soil surface is completely dry to the touch, water the geraniums thoroughly. Fertilization is probably not required if using a potting mix that is sold commercially and has a slow-release fertilizer. For potting mixes without a slow-release fertilizer, applying a diluted fertilizer solution once every two weeks should be adequate.
Before putting the plants in the garden, harden or acclimatize them to the outdoors for seven to 10 days. First, plant the geraniums in a sheltered, shaded area. Then progressively subject the plants to extended sun exposure times. When there is no longer a chance of a frost, plant the geraniums outside. Early May is typically a good time to grow geraniums outside in central Iowa.
How long does it take a geranium to grow from seed?
Geraniums are easy to cultivate from seed, but if you want spring blossoms, you must start them as soon as possible because the seedlings grow slowly. (Image from Flickr user Peggy2012CREATIVELENZ)
Iowa is PRIMGHAR.
January has come. I like this month a lot. Yes, it’s cold and snowy, but that’s why January allows us to stay indoors, cuddle up in a warm blanket, and take a few moments to take care of ourselves. The colder weather is a terrific time to catch up on reading, watch an old film, or, as I prefer to do, curl up with a big mug of cocoa and peruse the numerous (and I mean numerous) seed catalogs that arrive at my door.
I mark all the amazing items that I’d like to grow as I browse the catalogs. I don’t have the space, but it doesn’t matter. Just a couple more containers, please. The geranium seeds catch my eye, and I can see that they have a lovely orange variety. You must undoubtedly purchase that one.
I always make a couple of pots with geraniums because it’s a tradition. One of my favorite flowers is these. When I was a child, my mother raised them every summer. In front of our house, there was a sizable brick planter. It would be overflowing with red and white geraniums every year.
An good choice for flower beds and pots are geraniums. They not only produce attractive blooms but are also simple to grow, tolerate summer heat well, and bloom from April until the first fall frost. It is a simple flower to maintain, but you do need to deadhead them to promote fresh blooms and keep the plant at its best.
Geraniums are easy to cultivate from seed, but if you want spring blossoms, you must start them as soon as possible because the seedlings grow slowly. From the time the seeds are sown until they bloom, it takes 12 to 15 weeks.
Here are some pointers for successful seed starting indoors:
- Make use of a seed-starting mix. Germination mediums are portable and free of weed seeds and pathogens that cause disease.
- Seedlings should be started in clean, well-drained containers. If you’re using containers from a previous year, clean them with warm, soapy water and a weak bleach solution before using them again (1 part bleach to 9 parts water-remember to rinse well).
- Maintain a wet, but not soggy, growth medium. Before planting the seeds, it is simpler to moisten the medium. In this manner, they won’t float away as they often do when water is poured over them after planting. The planting medium is kept moist by wrapping the seed trays with plastic wrap. As soon as the plants begin to sprout, remove the cloth.
The ideal temperature for the medium to germinate geranium seeds is around 70 degrees F. Use a heat mat for seedlings or keep the seed tray in a warm location. When my seed-starting space was in a freezing basement, I made an investment in one and had wonderful results.
- After germination, seedlings need to be exposed to bright light. Lack of light causes seedlings to grow tall and spindly, or “leggy.” Although seedlings can be placed under natural, artificial, or a combination of both types of light, artificial light will yield the best results. Although fluorescent lights also function, I use plant grow lights. Four to six inches above the seedlings is the ideal height for the lights.
- Every day, check the seedlings and water them as necessary, being cautious not to overwater.
Margaret Murphy is a regional coordinator for food and a horticulture educator with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.